On February 20, Cyclone Winston struck Fiji with a fury killing 44 people, destroying 50,000 houses and affecting the lives of approximately 350,000 people. which is 40% of the entire population. The country was shaken and several people left homeless. Most were forced to live without electricity and running water. Fiji's Rugby Sevens team were not spared.
One week after the cyclone, the team flew to Las Vegas to resume the World Sevens Series. Leaving the shock behind, Osea Kolinisau led from the front and stunned Australia in the final to take the lead in standings.
Six months later, the team is now competing in Rio to break the medal drought in the greatest show on earth. Fiji has competed at the Olympics since 1956 but never won a medal, although they never got a chance to compete in the national sport at the Summer Games. Rugby is returning to the Olympics for the first time in 92 years.
A five-member Fiji team debuted at the Melbourne Games back in 1956 and returned without a medal. Nothing has changed in 60 years which makes it even more special. This team won't be chasing Fiji's first Olympic gold medal but the nation's first medal of any description.
The members of this Olympic team had to sacrifice a lot to reach where they are now. They grew up in a world with few amenities and learned the game using plastic bottles and flip-flops as balls.
Their captain Osea Kolinisau had no money to travel in a bus and reach school. Forget about buying the required books. Most players faced challenges of money and proper education while growing up. They have learnt to play Rugby in the toughest circumstances including playing on asphalt. A week after Cyclone Winston almost destroyed the nation, the people's team walked up to eight hours on dirt roads to train, in pursuit of bringing home the nation's first medal.
Their coach Ben Ryan has led Fiji to consecutive Sevens World Series titles, taking the island nation back to the top of a sport which plays such a key role in its community.
The Fijians won the opening round of the World Series in the last two seasons and have won four of the last five three-day tournaments. The team which includes prison wardens, police officers, members of the military and some unemployed have been drawn into Pool A with the United States, Argentina, and Brazil. As expected, they have won all three group games and qualified for the quarter-finals.
Yes, the most beautiful moment of the Olympics could be this team winning the men's Rugby Sevens.
Fiji men’s squad: Osea Kolinisau (c), Apisai Domolailai, Jasa Veremalua, Josua Tuisova, Kitione Taliga, Leone Nakarawa, Samisoni Viriviri, Savenaca Rawaca, Semi Kunatani, Vatemo Ravouvou, Viliame Mata, Jerry Tuwai.
